Is Meals on Wheels right for you or a loved one?

Advice and Information - 25 November 2024

More than 15 million adults in England live with care and support needs due to a long-term condition or disability. Meals on Wheels services can be essential to these individuals, who wish to continue living in their communities but need support to do so.
Lasagne ready meal in a foil container on a plate, on a table.

There is no single definition of Meals on Wheels. Not all providers in the UK call their service 'Meals on Wheels'. Often, the service is called 'Community Meals', 'Meals (at Home) Service', 'Mobile Meals', or 'Meal Delivery Service'.

Find out more about Bristol Community Meals on the Bristol City Council website.

The University of Bristol has created a free online map, designed to help individuals and professionals across the UK easily find Meals on Wheels services. You can explore the map on the Meals on Wheels UK website.

How this map can benefit you

For adults in the UK considering Meals on Wheels, their carers, and the wider public: 
Use the map to find providers that deliver directly to your area and access valuable information on the services available.
 
For Meals on Wheels providers, health and social care professionals, commissioners, and policymakers: 
The map serves as a hub for information, helping you connect with other providers, refer adults to services, and make data-driven decisions to improve service delivery.

Benefits of Meals on Wheels

Accessing a daily meal

The meals require little to no preparation, making it easy for users of the service to have a tasty, nutritious meal every day.

Reducing social isolation

It’s usually the same drivers who deliver the meal. This human contact and seeing a familiar face can improve overall wellbeing.

Safety and wellbeing

Drivers who deliver the meals can check for safety around the home and the wellbeing of users of the service, and alert an emergency contact if they identify any concerns.

Promoting independence

Receiving Meals on Wheels can prevent or delay the move into a care home, supporting users of the service to continue living in their own home and communities for longer.

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Advice and Information